The bank, which has worked with First Data since 2005, has renewed its debit processing and loyalty services agreements, as well as STAR Network membership, and has also selected First Data to provide ATM Managed Services.

Based in Huntington, W.Va., First Sentry Bank serves the tri-state area of West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky with four branch locations and an extensive network of ATMs. The bank has $491 million in assets. STAR is one of the nation's leading electronic funds transfer (EFT) networks, with more than 2 million retail and ATM locations, and a First Data company.

"First Sentry has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with First Data and STAR, and this partnership helps enable us to move forward confidently with our growth objectives," said Geoff Sheils, president and CEO of First Sentry Bank. "By also entrusting the servicing responsibilities for our ATMs to First Data, we can focus more on growing our current and new banking relationships."

"By building on the services that First Data provides to First Sentry, the bank is able to align its resources where they matter - serving and building relationships with cardholders," said Bryan Kratz, senior vice president, Community Financial Institutions, for First Data. "The bank will also draw on our expertise and our insight into consumer needs to build loyalty across its customer base by delivering the services its cardholders expect."